Welders and Welding Technicians

Overall employment for welders is expected to grow slower than the average for all careers through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). But the DOL reports that, in the coming years, "the nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings. These workers also will be needed in manufacturing plants, such as those that produce metal products and machinery."

More skilled welders will be needed in construction, wholesale trade, and repair services as the economy grows because the work tends to be less routine in these industries, and automation is not likely to be a big factor. During periods when the economy is in a slowdown, many workers in construction and manufacturing, including some welders, may be laid off. Most job openings in this large employment field (454,500 welders in 2024) will develop when experienced workers leave their jobs.

The American Welding Society anticipates a brighter employment outlook than the DOL does. It predicts that 320,500 new welding professionals will be needed by 2029.

Robotic welding systems (RWSs) are already in use in some industries—especially those that require consistently high-quality welds such as offshore oil platforms, pipelines, and bridges. For welding jobs in these and other settings, RWSs improve efficiency and reduce injury risk to human welders. But there remains strong need for welders in most settings, especially for complex welding processes that require a combination of several welding techniques and/or problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Additionally, in settings where RWSs are used, welders will still be needed to program the robot and check its work. Given the growing use of RWSs, it makes sense for welders to master this technology.